Ginger Snaps

I've had that same thing with "silent" GERD. I seldom feel heartburn unless I eat late at night, but I too have that cough and sore throat. I even ended up in the ER one time feeling like I was having an asthma attack or something (don't have asthma) because I couldn't catch my breath and kept coughing. I had aspirated acid into my lungs. Looking forward to the surgery helping with my reflux.

My regular psych did the surgery clearance for me but even though I've been seeing him for 8 years, he made me come in for a special appointment for that. I guess he had to get his $150 or so. But, it was a very easy process.

@@marthaeb sounds like you have a lot of challenges but you will find great support on these boards. Try posting specific questions in the subject line of your topic and you'll get answers to some of your questions. But, try talking to your doctor about your concerns too. I keep a running list on the memo function on my phone -- questions I want to ask the surgeon the next time I'm in. I just open up the app and start asking. Best wishes!

Sounds like you have a very realistic view of the surgery and how hard the work is going to be. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to you and your wife.

@jamiep5 -- My surgery is June 9th. My doctor didn't even offer the band -- he says he hardly ever does that surgery any more as the weight loss from it statistically isn't significant and it has so many complications. Because i have pretty severe reflux, he said the bypass is really my only option. I'm not worried about that though -- I want to do what has the best success record and that's bypass. Wishing you all the best!

I'm sure every doctor has their own preferred schedule of appointments. If you're having concerns and feel like you need to see the doc, call and tell them that and set the appointment up that way. If it's just something different than you expected, I would just roll with it. Take it in your own hands and do what feels right to you. Best wishes.

I know some people don't like to hear this -- but you DO look like a new woman! Congrats on all the hard work paying off!

@@jamiep5 Thanks for telling your story. I'm pre-op and stories like this are what have me deciding to go straight to bypass. I have reflux already and I just want to do what is the healthiest for me with the biggest chance of success. Hope you start feeling great soon! Best wishes!

@Baconville WOW on the weight loss and WOW!!! WIth the success you've had, you're worth listening to!

My first dr visit was March 18th and my surgery is scheduled for June 9th. My surgeon requires 3 visits 1 month apart with him, 2 NUT appointments, a psych eval, clearance from a pulmonologist and cardiologist. I'm not sure how many of those are insurance requirements versus his requirements but so far it's been a smooth process. The insurance originally balked at paying the NUT appointments but we appealed and they paid.

@nani0602 you might try researching in your area for consignment shops -- we have some close to me that are more high-end shops and you can get some decent money for clothes in good condition. If you have professional clothes, you might see if there's a charity in the area that takes items like that. Some charities that do job training will also let their clients "free shop" through donated items for work clothes. Best wishes!

@@chelseabell91 --- you look great in the pictures and I know some people take it in a bad way, you have the greatest face!

A man and his car... lol... Great job!

Looks like several of us will be June 9th. Looking forward to getting it over with and moving on!

Wow -- I don't know of any medical research that has advocated a lap band for someone with only 40 pounds to lose. I stopped watching his show a long time ago because it's like a big long commercial for the latest and greatest diet pill or weight loss method. He probably got paid to do a lap band segment by one of the companies that make them.

Congrats on wanting to start working out. You have a lot of questions that would be best answered by someone who knows you and your situation personally. My suggestion (and I did this) -- find a personal trainer to work with you. My trainer had a package deal and did a complete assessment at our first meeting. She talked about my goals and limitations and worked up a plan for me. I meet with her once a week and exercise on my own in between. She's very kind and friendly and not one of those screaming, "no pain no gain" types. Nothing like I expected. I know it costs money, but I consider it just another investment in my health.

I haven't looked into how it fits in with WLS, but a lot of the Hungry Girl cookbooks seem to have very small portion recipes. That's one reason I haven't tried many myself -- I have 2 teen boys at home and believe me, they can put away some food!!!

I have a friend who was just certified to be a life coach (or health coach -- I don't remember which). But she specialized in weight loss. I had thought about going to her to help me out before I decided on WLS. Now, I think if I seek out that type of service I would go with someone who specialized in working with WLS clients. I would be willing to pay $100 or so for an hour's consultation maybe once a week for 3-4 weeks. I would want to talk about fitness, nutrition and the emotions I'm going through. Talk about the food challenges I'm having and some strategies to overcome that. Talk about what I'm doing for fitness, how that's working and if I need to change anything up. Talk about struggles I'm having emotionally -- emotional eating, boredom eating, strategies for eating healthier while running around, etc. I would be less interested in cooking classes or recipes, etc., because I feel like I can get enough general information from books and such. If you're considering doing this in person (not over the phone or over the internet counseling) I would expect to get local recommendations -- like maybe local cooking classes or nutrition seminars, maybe bike/walking groups in the area, some things like that. I hope this gives you some of the info you're looking for.

Obviously you'll need to follow your doctor's advice, but my slightly educated guess is that recovery from a c-section is much longer than recovery from the sleeve if the surgery is laproscopic. I always thought it was quite unfair that after a major surgery like a c-section, they send you home with a 10 pound weight to to carry around and take care of all the time! After surviving 3 c-sections, I feel invincible! lol

Wow! Looks like the hard work and discipline are paying off!

We had a discussion going on about this recently -- it's common to question whether or not you could lose the weight without surgery. I think of that every now and then because I'm pre-op too. Only you can tell if you've done all you could or should before the surgery. It's interesting -- I'm not thinking of WLS surgery as a last resort. Taking unhealthy (and ineffective) diet pills or going on crazy diets that don't provide my body with what it needs to live -- those are crazy, last resort things. This surgery is tested, considered safe and a tool to help me lose weight. It's not my last resort -- it's the best option I have for success. I think what you're going through is normal. Just focus on the things that helped you make this decision and look to the future.

Smiling at your post... You've got the right attitude -- sometimes we just need to vent! It's funny how we can sometimes get so anxious over a day or two when compared to the grand scheme of life it's such a short time. Be patient and stand up for yourself when you need to. Best wishes!

Best wishes for you! Sounds like you're ready to roll!

How can I like this 200 times???? And how can I thank you for sharing your journey with us. I've only been here a while and I'm still pre-op but I really love reading about your experiences. Way to Go!!!

I don't think there is a standard set of questions. Some people have to take the long questionnaires like the MMPI or other standardized tests. Some get asked a lot of questions about their weight history, support groups, previous attempts to lose weight, etc. I have seen a psych for about 8 years now (depression, mood disorder) and my doctor only spent about 20 minutes asking me questions about what problems I have now because of my weight and a lot about my family's medical history. He really didn't ask me anything about how I feel I about the surgery, what I think it will accomplish or my support plan. So, bottom line - I think it varies a lot. Just go in honest and I'm sure you'll do fine.